In a shocking incident that unfolded in the bustling Ratchaprasong district of Bangkok, six individuals were discovered lifeless in a high-end hotel, as confirmed by Thai law enforcement.
The unsettling discovery was made at the Grand Hyatt Erawan Hotel, a prominent luxury establishment in the Thai capital. The bodies were found around 5pm local time, five inside a room and one by the door.
As reported by the Daily Mail, an anonymous police official refuted earlier Thai media reports suggesting a shooting incident, instead hinting at a possible case of poisoning. "There is no sign of a shooting," the official stated, providing no additional details. The Metropolitan Police Bureau's top brass, Police Lieutenant General Thiti Saengsang and Major General Noppasin Poolsawat, have indicated that the deceased are believed to be of Vietnamese descent. The Thai Foreign Ministry further revealed that two of the victims held dual Vietnamese-American nationality.
In response to this grim event, Thailand's Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin promptly ordered an investigation and personally arrived at the hotel to confer with the investigators. The Thai economy, heavily dependent on tourism, could potentially suffer a blow from such incidents, a concern echoed by Thavisin. He expressed his desire to prevent this mysterious tragedy from tarnishing Thailand's reputation as a hospitable tourist destination.
"Hotel staff found their bodies in a room around 5pm (1000 GMT) today," the police source disclosed. Contradicting initial reports of a shooting, the source revealed that the ongoing investigation is primarily exploring a "link with a toxic substance." The victims included both first-time visitors and those who had previously visited the country.
The police, in their official statement, confirmed that the investigation into the cause of death is still underway. They noted the absence of any signs of struggle, fighting, or robbery at the hotel. This incident has occurred at a time when Thailand is striving to bolster its tourism sector, a crucial component of Southeast Asia's second-largest economy.
"The prime minister has ordered all agencies to urgently take action to avoid impact on tourism," the Thai government announced. Upon his arrival at the hotel, Thavisin refrained from answering press inquiries, instead heading straight to the investigating officers for private discussions.
The Grand Hyatt Erawan Hotel, where the incident took place, is one of Thailand's most luxurious accommodations, renowned for its service. Situated in the Ratchaprasong district, a popular shopping and commercial area, the five-star hotel boasts lavish interiors, a large outdoor pool, a gym and spa complex, and a highly-rated restaurant.
It offers panoramic views of the city and is located near the Erawan Shrine, a popular tourist attraction.
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